CHILDREN'S IMAGINATIONS ABOUT ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR PERCEPTIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS

The study aimed to investigate the perceptions of children on environmental problems, to determine their views on environmental problems and help create urban spaces and an environment suitable for children. The perceptions of 2nd and 3rd grade students (n = 126) on environment and environmental problems were scrutinized using their drawings. The analysis of children's drawings was conducted by examining which environmental elements and existing environmental problems. Findings demonstrated that the children perceived 9 different environmental problems, especially pollution, and they were aware of the negative effects of these problems on them. Furthermore, it was determined that children dreamed 18 different elements about living in an environment which is free from environmental problems and include natural elements. and artificial elements. In conclusion, it was aimed to make such environment available for the children, who are the future adults, and to contribute to the positive changes in our environment in the future.